Review by Choice Review
Scott (Univ. of California, Los Angeles) has produced an insightful contribution to the literature on economic geography, particularly that which explores the geographical agglomeration tendencies of interdependent producers. Emphasizing the interplay of internal and external firm economies and the transactional webs that result, he provides empirical documentation for a high-technology, transaction-intensive complex in Southern California. He begins with a historical overview (1920-80) of high technology in the region and then presents five industry case studies: aircraft and parts, missiles and space, electronics, printed circuits, and medical devices. His data capture subcontracting relations and the simultaneous existence of large "systems houses" and small highly flexible producers. Scott also documents the local labor markets for engineers, scientists, and electronic assembly workers. The book ends with a reflection on regional policy and the need for collective action involving both industry and governments. Overall, a well-written, accessible, and clearly argued account that offers new evidence on geographical agglomerations and extends the author's earlier work (for example, Metropolis, CH, Jan'89). Upper-division undergraduate through professional. R. A. Beauregard; University of Pittsburgh
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
